That would be a major shake-up for the Bruins, especially after a disappointing season. Acquiring Mika Zibanejad would give Boston a true top-line center, something they’ve struggled to replace since the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. However, pulling off a trade like that would likely cost the Bruins some key assets—perhaps a first-round pick, a top prospect like Fabian Lysell or Mason Lohrei, and maybe a roster player with salary heading the other way to balance the cap hit (Zibanejad carries an \$8.5M AAV through 2029-30).
For the Rangers, the question would be whether they’re actually willing to part with Zibanejad, who remains a central piece of their core and is under contract long-term. It would suggest a dramatic pivot in their roster strategy—unlikely unless they’re targeting cap flexibility or making room for another star acquisition.
That trade proposal would definitely raise eyebrows—on both sides.
From Boston’s perspective, this is a clear win in the short term. They’d be acquiring a proven top-six center in Zibanejad who, even in a down year, still tallied 62 points. His chemistry potential with David Pastrnak is intriguing, and he’d immediately give the Bruins a legit No. 1 center they haven’t had since Bergeron and Krejci retired. The added second-round pick also sweetens the deal.
From New York’s perspective, it reads more like a cap-clearing maneuver than a true hockey trade. Zibanejad has a full no-movement clause and has been a cornerstone player for the Rangers, both on the ice and in the locker room. Moving him and a second-rounder for Mittelstadt—a decent middle-six option but not a star—would only make sense if the Rangers are aggressively targeting someone big in free agency (e.g., Steven Stamkos, Elias Lindholm) or looking to clear space for a younger center like Filip Chytil or Brennan Othmann to step into a bigger role.
The major issue? Zibanejad’s no-move clause. He’d have to approve the deal, and there’s no indication he’s looking to leave New York.
Bruins Expect to be Playoff Team Next Year
That’s a pretty strong statement of intent from Charlie Jacobs, and it suggests that the Bruins aren’t looking to enter any sort of rebuild despite finishing with the fifth-worst record. Holding the seventh-overall pick in the 2025 draft gives them a valuable asset—whether to draft a top-end prospect or use it as part of a trade package to accelerate their return to contention.
If Boston is planning to be aggressive this offseason, expect them to:
Pursue a top-line center (like Mika Zibanejad, as discussed) or go after a player such as Elias Lindholm in free agency.
Add scoring depth, particularly on the wing or bottom six, where production dropped off this season.
Bolster the blue line, especially with an eye toward mobile puck-movers who can help in transition.
Also worth watching: Jeremy Swayman’s contract situation. He’s a pending RFA with arbitration rights and due for a big raise after a strong individual season. His cap hit could significantly affect their flexibility.
Jacobs’ comments show the Bruins aren’t entertaining a long-term rebuild—they believe this season was more of an aberration than a new norm. Despite finishing 33-39-10 and second-last in the East, his expectation is clear: the Bruins want to be back in the playoffs by 2026, if not sooner.
The key phrase—“healthy, with the additions we intend to make”—signals that the front office believes injuries played a significant role in this season’s collapse, and that aggressive offseason moves are coming. That could mean:
A big trade (like the proposed Zibanejad deal)
A splash in free agency, possibly chasing a top-six center or winger
Leveraging their cap space and 7th overall pick to reshape the roster now, not later
Also important: they have cornerstone pieces like David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Jeremy Swayman in place, so there’s a strong foundation to build around.
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